"What is a Sheepdog? A Sheepdog is a state of being, a state of mind. It is an unspoken understanding that we are the protector of the flock, a guardian to those not capable of guarding themselves. The old, the weak, the infirmed, the average, we oversee them all. We know that the sheeple we care for are often unappreciative. They may view us with a general disdain. We sometimes bear an uncomfortable resemblance to those that mean harm to them. We possess the same propensity for violence and the same predatory instinct. The difference being, what we choose to do with our individual assets."
This has been on my mind the past few weeks. Am I a "sheepdog"? In one word, YES.
I see my role as a worldly protector of the sheep, following the directions of our Heavenly Shepherd to keep the "wolves" at bay and herd the sheep back to the safety of the "flock". Does HE really need us to perform this role? I'm not sure that He "needs" our help but I believe he wants us to pick up the mantle of the "sheepdog" and work in a physical manner on this earth. When we follow His direction to protect others, guard their best interests, and keep the them safe I think we make Him smile.
Not everyone can relate to the sheepdog.Those of us who feel this calling should put it to practice within our household, our church family and, in our world in general. Don't ever pass up the opportunity to help and protect others. I am a firm believer in the idea that "All that is necessary for the triumph of evil is that good men do nothing." (Edmund Burke). It doesn't matter if they are a close friend or a total stranger...be the sheepdog!
You all probably think I'm nuts, and maybe I didn't do a very effective job of communicating my feelings but, this concept is gaining ground with me. Maybe mentoring needs to be a component of the "sheepdog" as well. Not sure how this fits in the shepherd, dog, sheep analogy but I'll work on it.
I hope to get some feedback on this one...
****
Some of you know that I have planned to retreat to the mountains of West Virginia to do a little camping and fishing this weekend. Well, it doesn't appear that the weather is going to cooperate with my well-laid plans. All the weather outlets are forecasting a soaker for the whole weekend...for most of the midwest. Oh, well...you just have to roll with it. Maybe another location will become apparent to me tonight for some quiet, alone time with my Heavenly Father and His Word. I need some time to renew my focus on HIM and HIS promptings. I have been feeling a bit disjointed and even a bit "under attack" recently. This is what I posted on my FB feed yesterday evening ~
Keep your guard up!!! It is shocking how easily "Ol Hornhead" can mess with you and try to steal your joy!!! He's been after me lately.The best defense is a Great Offense led by the King of Kings!!! 1 Peter 5:8 "Stay alert! Watch out for your great enemy, the devil. He prowls around like a roaring lion, looking for someone to devour." NLT
Ol Hornhead apparently hasn't read all the way to the end of Revelation...WE WIN!!!
God intends for all of us to be VICTORIOUS THRU THE BLOOD OF JESUS!!! Reach UP and claim the power that He offers each one of us!
Satan is a PUNK!!! We are God's Mighty Warriors!!!
I still intend to get some "alone time" somewhere away from home...otherwise, I will be compelled to answer my phone and continue to work.
One final thought that continues to relate to my "Better than Blessed" title. Our friends the Melicks in Alabama posted some good news regarding Mary Grace this afternoon as they wean her from her paralytic drugs. "
No comments:
Post a Comment